Music Lessons in Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I've been teaching in the greater Los Angeles area for almost 20 years, teaching students from ages 4 - 92 (yes, really! 92!). Levels range from beginning to professional, with advanced students having won scholarships and awards. I encourage all of my students to learn the language of music; to learn about their instrument and the best means of expression using that instrument.  For the past 8 years, lessons have been supplemented with an annual holiday recital where students have the opportunity to perform, which is an important part of the learning process! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical and opera singing, I teach a healthy Bel Canto technique rooted in the Italian school of singing. I am also skilled in teaching SOVT style, but I typically avoid it with beginning singers. For musical theater and pop, I teach healthy belting techniques that preserve vocal quality and focus on a connection to the chest and body, alleviating vocal tension. For my guitar students, I teach fingering techniques and basic chords first, and then I focus on giving each student a basic repertoire--several pieces they already know and like to showcase their abilities and track progress. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Born and raised in California, I grew up in a musical family. My father, a singer/songwriter and guitarist, always encouraged me to sing, compose and just make music no matter who was listening. I started trombone lessons at age 13, and immediately fell in love with the art of jazz and improvisation. As a member of the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble, I was met with opportunities to travel the world playing music at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and the Kurashiki Music Festival in Japan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

My approach to teaching is very student-centric. I firmly believe that every student has unique talents and insights. I strive to find the right balance for every student, between their personal goals and what areas of opportunity for growth I see for them. It is my mission to help every student get the most out of every lesson, and leave knowing that they have discovered something new about themselves and their ability to connect with music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Additionally, some other books that I use with my drum set students are Syncopation by Ted Reed, The Art of Bop by John Riley, The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion, and The Essence of Brazillian Percussion by Ed Uribe. For more advanced students, I work on trancriptions of their favorite drummers, chart reading by playing with recordings or live musicians, improvisation over musical forms, and developing indivdual exercises for each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Is always good for beginners to have a book that includes a basic outline of the guitar parts, string names, and general terminology. This includes but is not limited to Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Guitar for Absolute Beginners by Daniel Emeri. After we passed the fundamentals, the class will be customized to each student's needs. Say for instance, if the student is interested in blues guitar playing, a big part of the lesson will involve transcribing some of the greatest blues players and we will focus on the bend and vibrato technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano

From the time I became a college student at the age of 20, I started part-time piano teaching and have been giving piano lessons to students for over 25 years. I have extensive experience as a kindergarten teacher, church accompanist, piano instructor at church music schools and piano academies. Additionally, I teach over 30 students through private lessons and organize biannual recitals for them. Not only within the United States, but also internationally, I have guided my students to achieve excellent results in various competitions. Read More